Construction Site Injuries In Ohio: Holding Property Owners And General Contractors Liable
Ohio construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces. When injuries happen, workers’ compensation is often the first source of benefits, but it is not always the only option. Depending on how your injury happened and who controlled the site, you may be entitled to compensation in a third-party liability claim.
Our experienced Sandusky personal injury lawyers help clients in these cases, protecting their rights throughout the claims process. Find out common ways injuries can happen on Ohio construction sites and who may be liable for your losses.
Common Causes of Ohio Construction Site Injuries
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics advises that 150 Ohio residents are killed each year on the job, while thousands of other workers suffer potentially devastating injuries. Construction sites are among the most common places for them to occur. Common causes include:
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or elevated platforms.
- Getting struck by falling tools, materials, or equipment.
- Electrocution from exposed or improperly grounded wiring, overhead power lines, or energized equipment.
- Trenching and excavation collapses.
- Machinery and equipment accidents involving forklifts, cranes, or heavy construction vehicles.
- Exposure to hazardous materials, including silica dust, asbestos, or toxic chemicals.
The Code of Federal Regulations (29 CFR Part 1926) requires general contractors and employers on construction sites to take certain precautions to ensure safe working conditions. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries.
Holding Ohio Property Owners And General Contractors Liable For Construction Site Injuries
Workers’ compensation protects workers when on-the-job injuries occur and limits employers’ liability. However, when negligent property owners or general contractors are at fault, they can be held personally accountable.
Under Section 410.11 of the Ohio Revised Code, property owners and occupiers must keep the property safe for those lawfully present or working on the premises. Circumstances in which construction site owners and contractors may be liable include:
- The property owner or contractor failed to disclose or address known hazards.
- They ignored dangerous practices that increased the risk of injury.
- Defective equipment or tools supplied by the general contractor failed during normal use, causing harm.
- The general contractor failed to coordinate safety protocols among multiple subcontractors working in the same area.
- A third-party vendor, delivery driver, or maintenance contractor operating on the site caused the injury through their own negligence.
Under Section 2307.22 of the Ohio Revised Code, multiple parties may share liability. Filing a third-party claim against a construction site property owner or contractor can help workers recover the full amount they need, including total lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages not covered under workers’ compensation.
Consult Our Experienced Sandusky Construction Site Injury Lawyers
Construction site injuries are common in Ohio and can cause devastating harm to workers. At Murray & Murray, we investigate what happened, identify those at fault, and help you get the maximum compensation.
To request a consultation, contact our Ohio construction site injury lawyers today. We serve clients throughout Sandusky, Ohio, and the surrounding areas.
Sources:
bls.gov/regions/midwest/news-release/fatalworkinjuries_ohio.htm
osha.gov/construction